Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans- mentioned by WHO.
These viruses are found to be zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted between people and animals.
CURRENT SITUATION
Confirmed cases- 209,839
Confirmed deaths- 8,778
Affected Countries, territories or areas- 169
Symptoms include:
- Respiratory issues
- Fever
- Cough
- Breathing difficulties and shortness of breath
- Pneumonia
In more severe cases, the infection from coronavirus can lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failures, and even the worst, death
Preventions:
- Regular hand washing with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.
- Practice respiratory hygiene.
- Stay away from people showing symptoms of cough and cold.
- Properly wash and cook your meals.
- Follow the norm of social distancing.
- Stay back at home as much as you can, work from home.
- Don’t shake hands as it can transfer the virus from the infected person to your hands and then your body.
Myths about Coronavirus:
- COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates– this is a complete myth as there is no evidence proving this statement. The virus can be transmitted in any climatic conditions.
- Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus- There is no evidence stating that cold weather can kill coronavirus so beware of such rumors.
- Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease- Please do not believe any rumors without proof, the human body temperature is 36.5℃ to 37℃ irrespective of the shower temperature. So you need not take hot water showers as a preventive measure.
- The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites- There is no information or evidence to support this statement till date.
- Are hand dryers effective in killing the new coronavirus? – NO, they’re not.
- Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the new coronavirus?- You need not use them as they can be harmful to your skin.
- Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?- Though Garlic is healthy food there is no evidence to prove that its consumption can prevent coronavirus.
When to wear a mask?
Steps taken by our Government:
After the outbreak of coronavirus in China and Italy, more and more people and countries are coming together to fight this pandemic and stay safe together. Governments are trying their level best to ensure public health and safety by creating awareness, clarifying myths and supporting the people.
The government is encouraging quarantine people and shutting borders by closing schools and colleges, requesting people to work from home, maintain social distancing. People with foreign travel history are screened to limit the entry to coronavirus. Indian citizens have been advised to avoid all non-essential travel abroad, and citizens have been evacuated from Iran, Italy, China, and Japan.
Yesterday, our honorable prime minister, Sh. Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the outbreak of coronavirus. He said it is important for all of us to stay safe and alert and we can together defeat this pandemic. He has requested people to avoid hoarding, postponing non-emergency surgeries, and avoid normal health checkups at hospitals. He has mentioned that we don’t have to pressurize the hospital staff and doctors as they need rest and peace as well.
It is very kind of him to urge people to not fire people from work as they are not available in offices or fields and that their salaries should not be deducted. He has assured people that there won’t be any scarcity of home essentials and we don’t need to panic. Prime minister has asked the countrymen to follow a JANTA CURFEW on 22nd March from 7 am-9 pm, in which people are requested to avoid public spaces for 14 hours. All the state governments are taking the necessary steps to fight against this outbreak and urging people to stay safe and alert.
We can together make it happen. Wash your hands regularly and keep a check around you.
Source-World Health Organization
